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Chapter 15
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Energy | the ability to do work |
| Kinetic Energy | The energy of motion |
| Potential Energy | Energy that is stored as a result of position or shape |
| Gravitational potential energy | Potential energy that depends upon an objects height |
| Elastic potential energy | The potential energy of an object that is stretched or compressed |
| mechanical energy | The energy associated with the motion and position of everyday objects |
| thermal energy | The total potential and kinetic energy of all the microscopic particles in an object |
| chemical energy | the energy stored in chemical bonds |
| electrical energy | the energy associated with electric charges |
| electromagnetic energy | a form of energy that travels through space in the form of waves |
| nuclear energy | The energy stored in atomic nuclei |
| energy conversion | The process of changing energy from one form to another |
| nonrenewable energy resources | exist in limited quantities and once used cannot be replaced except over the course of millions of years |
| fossil fuels | Oil, natural gas, and coal |
| renewable energy resources | Resources that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time |
| hydroelectric energy | Energy obtained from flowing water |
| solar energy | Sunlight that is converted into usable energy |
| geothermal energy | thermal energy beneath Earth's surface |
| biomass energy | The chemical energy stored in living things |
| hydrogen fuel cell | Generates electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen |
| energy conservation | Finding ways to use less energy or to use energy more efficiently |